​As professionals, many of us can point to an individual or individuals who contributed to our business or personal success – maybe it was a sales lead that proved fruitful; a job tip that led to an exciting new career opportunity; insight into volunteer or community engagement opportunities; or sound business or professional advice that guided our decisions and career path.

Organized networking is one great way to grow and strengthen these key connections. CBICC Business After Hours events offer a way to do so in a casual atmosphere – while learning a little about Centre County’s dynamic business community in the process.

These events typically draw between100 to 150 attendees. However, with hundreds of CBICC members in Centre County and the surrounding area, we know there are more business people we have yet to meet! If you’ve never attended a Business After Hours, we encourage you to do so.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience:

All employees are welcomeSince all employees of CBICC member businesses are eligible for member benefits, think about sending more of your team – new hires, existing employees that have moved into new roles, or even employees who just need to sharpen their interpersonal communications skills.

Bring a guestBring a client. Use the event as a backdrop to learn more about your client and introduce them to your partners in the business community.

Bring a perspective member, or, someone who is new in town.

More attendees mean more opportunities to make new connections.

Request an AmbassadorWhile the charge to “network more!” makes sense professionally and sounds easy, for some, walking into a roomful of strangers and striking up a conversation can be downright scary. But you can only eat so much cheese! At some point, you have to – gulp – talk to someone.

If you are one of those people, it’s OK. Many of us have been there (or hide it well.) We’ve got you covered!

CBICC Ambassadors – the goodwill arm of the Chamber – are available to help you navigate networking events. They can introduce you to other business professionals and help you feel more comfortable. Think of them as your personal Business After Hours security blanket! In no time you’ll be networking like a pro.

Contact the CBICC officeContact our office if you are new to the Business After Hours event format, new to the CBICC, or plan to bring a perspective member to the event.

Be the hostess with the mostestIf you are hosting or considering hosting a Business After Hours, remember that the event is a chance for you to showcase your business.

Take advantage of your captive audience. Make sure attendees leave knowing a little more about your products and services. This is also a great time for people to learn more about how your business fits into the local economy.

There are plenty of creative ways to do so.

A popular idea is to create an event passport for attendees to complete in order to be eligible for the door prize drawing. This ensures that guests visit all departments, rooms or other co-hosting businesses.

To help drive attendance, food and drink are always great draws. There are plenty of wonderful options to choose from within the CBICC membership. You can also consider offering activities when appropriate. Or, create a theme for your event. Who doesn’t love a great theme party?!

​The CBICC’s annual State of the Chamber Luncheon – held this year on Feb. 13 and attended by nearly 150 business, community, academic, and government leaders – is an opportunity to highlight the CBICC’s mission and impact, and the myriad ways the Chamber works to build a foundation for business and economic growth and provide value to its diverse membership base.

The CBICC carries out its mission through innovative initiatives, programs and partnerships that serve to foster business growth and entrepreneurship; capitalize on new economic opportunities; advance community solutions to foundational issues such as transportation infrastructure and workforce development; encourage professional networking and mentorship; facilitate community engagement; support community events and initiatives; and champion collaboration among business and community partners.

Working on behalf of a membership that comprises major employers, small businesses, sole proprietors, individuals, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and government entities, the CBICC’s mission is developed after:

Listening to and anticipating the needs of our members and the community

Considering if it can be done in a collaborative manner on behalf of our members and the community

Evaluating if an initiative improves the quality of life and economy in Centre County

Asking if it makes our community a great place to live, work, play, learn and do business

With these four considerations in mind, CentreREADY, 'DRIVE Forward,' ABC Essentials, and GrowPro -- along with Air Service and Agri-Tourism task forces -- are the newest additions to the CBICC’s mission portfolio.

We invite you to learn more about these initiatives, and the overall value of Chamber membership for your business or organization.

The hundreds of businesses, organizations and individuals from Centre County and the surrounding region that are members of the CBICC are truly the lifeblood of the Chamber. Their support and engagement brings vibrancy and energy to the organization, and enables the CBICC to carry out its work to strengthen and enhance the economy and quality of life in our county.

These businesses and organizations have experienced change in their own right, growing along with the CBICC. Over the years, they have witnessed different Chamber staff and leadership teams; new initiatives and programs; and the evolution of the CBICC's mission. The one constant throughout is their recognition of the tremendous value of a being a CBICC member.